Richview Family Dentistry wants you to know the dangers of some of the foods you eat or drinks you consume as it pertains to your oral health

Hard Candy

• Constant exposure to the sugar in hard candy can be harmful to your teeth.
• Biting down on hard candy can result in a dental emergency such as broken or chipped teeth.
• Alternative: Chew sugarless gum that carries the ADA Seal.

Ice

• Chewing on ice can damage the enamel of your teeth and can also break a tooth.
• Alternative: Drink plain water.
  

Citrus

• Frequent exposure to acidic food can erode the enamel of your teeth.
• Citrus fruits can also irritate mouth sores.
• Alternative: Drink plenty of water.
  

Coffee

• Coffee and tea can be healthy beverages but too many people add sugar.
• Coffee and tea can also stain your teeth.
• If you do drink coffee and tea, make sure to also drink plenty of water and try to keep the added sugar to a minimum.
  

Sticky Foods

• Dried fruit can be seen as a healthy snack, however, they are sticky and tend to stay on the teeth longer than other food.
• Alternative: Be sure to rinse with water after eating dried fruit and brush and floss carefully.
  

Crunchy Snacks

• Crunchy snacks like potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in your teeth.
• If you eat lots of crunchy foods, be sure to floss carefully to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.
  

Sodas

• Sodas are loaded with sugar that produces acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Even diet sodas are acidic and therefore can be bad for your teeth if you consume a lot of them.
• Caffeinated sodas can also dry out your mouth.
• Alternative: Drink a cup of water alongside each soda you consume.
  

Alcohol

• Alcohol causes dehydration, dry mouth, and a reduction of saliva which can lead to tooth decay.
• Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.
  

Sports Drinks

• They sound healthy but sugar is the top ingredient in sports and energy drinks.
• Check the sugar content before downing any of these drinks.
• Alternative: Water!
  

If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!